YOUSSOUF MULUMBU never lost his love of the game. Now the midfielder is putting his recent frustrations behind him at Kilmarnock.

The midfielder started his career at Paris Saint-Germain and made a name for himself in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion.

On Saturday, he turned in a classy performance to inspire Steve Clarke’s side to victory over Rangers at Rugby Park as Killie continued their recent upturn in fortunes.

And the 30-year-old is pleased to be back on the park and showing what he is capable of after a frustrating spell at Carrow Road.

Mulumbu said: “I did two years at Norwich which didn’t go the way I wanted. Now I am enjoying winning the ball, running and winning matches.

“It is always easy to work during the week when you get results like the one against Rangers.

“I am happy for the lads. When I came at first, I think there was a bit of a lack of confidence. I tried to bring my experience and energy to midfield and it seems like it is working well.

“I’m not going to lie to you. When you play for West Brom week in, week out, you are one of the main players. You go to Norwich, which is maybe a lower team, it is quite hard when you don’t play.

“I picked up some injuries and the coach wasn’t really great with me. I’m not going to blame him because maybe I did some stuff. It was just football and I had some bad luck.

“Now I am happy. I came here because I knew how Steve Clarke worked. He gives me 100 per cent confidence on the pitch.

“Even at 30, I am learning every day. I try to help those young lads like JJ (Jordan Jones) and Greg Taylor and I hope some of those guys will be in the Premier League in the future.”

The arrival of Mulumbu is one of several big calls that Clarke has got right in recent weeks as he has transformed Killie’s fortunes in the Premiership.

The DR Congo internationalist is undoubtedly capable of playing at a higher level but he is appreciative of the chance he has been given by his former Baggies boss.

Mulumbu said: “When you know your talent and have confidence, you can play anywhere. I am someone who likes to play football and I am enjoying playing for Kilmarnock.

“If everything is okay, I might pick up a bigger team or I might go back in the Premier League. You never know.

“Right now, I am enjoying my time here and I hope were are going to finish in the first part of the table.

“I signed a deal until the end of the season. It is a challenge for me.

“I had some injuries and people doubted me. Is he able to play? Is he able to run?

“You got your answer on the pitch against Rangers. I was running for 90 minutes to do my best to win the game.”

Victory over Rangers – earned thanks to Kris Boyd’s second half brace – moved Kilmarnock into the top half of the Premiership standings.

Clarke has been the inspiration for their recent run and Mulumbu isn’t surprised at the impact the 54-year-old has made in Ayrshire.

He said: “You can ask all the lads. Even in the dressing room at half-time against Rangers, when we were losing 1-0, he was the same.

“He didn’t talk for five minutes and let us breathe. After that he started to repair things he felt were wrong.

“That is his secret. He is good tactically and is someone I think is just meant to be a coach.

“I am happy for him that he is getting some great results. But let’s keep this run going until the winter break.”